Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Massachusetts General Hospital
The basis of the system is a sensor board forelectrical impedance tomography. It measures and visualizes what the muscles are doing during each movement. The sensor board is held in place by two electrode straps that are worn over the user's upper thigh to capture 3D data.
Electrical impedance tomography sensors. Image: HCI Engineering, MITCSAIL
The motion capture process uses 39markers and a number of cameras that take pictures at a high number of frames per second. The sensor data shows active muscles, which can be seen on the display: the more a particular muscle is involved in the process, the darker its image.
How MuscleRehab works. Video: MITCSAIL
Patients put on a sleek all-blackninja tracksuit and then perform various exercises such as lunges, knee bends, deadlifts, leg raises, knee extensions. The system measures the activity of the quadriceps, sartorius, and hamstrings. And the VR system captures 3D motion data of the whole body.
The data collected during the experiments werehanded over to a professional therapist who explained which muscle groups should be involved during each of the exercises. His recommendations were incorporated into the system, so the user not only sees how the muscles work, but also receives hints if something is not done right.
The principle of the system. Image: HCI Engineering, MITCSAIL
The study showed that visualization of data onmuscle engagement and movement during exercise increases the correctness of work by 15%. Scientists note that as the population ages, the need for physiotherapists increases. And there are not enough specialists for all the people whose quality of life can be improved.
Electrical impedance tomography data. Image: HCI Engineering, MITCSAIL
MuscleRehab currently focuses onupper thigh and major leg muscle groups, but in the future, scientists plan to connect the gluteal and other muscle groups. In addition, scientists are looking for opportunities to use electrical impedance tomography in radiation therapy.
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